Many professionals recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day – in the morning and the evening, before going to bed. It has been this way for a long time. Some people even believe that is best to brush first thing in the morning, while others believe it is better to do it after breakfast.
Brush Your Teeth Early
With new research on oral pH balance, dentists now know that enamel reaches demineralization point at pH 5 or 5.5. During this process, the minerals in your teeth (mainly calcium) leave hard tissues, including enamel and dentin, to saturate saliva. Enamel then becomes softer and more vulnerable. Saliva plays a major role in balancing the mouth’s pH levels with the goal to neutralize acid attacks.
The best time to brush your teeth is first thing in the morning, immediately after we wake up. During the night, bacteria populates within our mouths. Bacteria lowers the pH of the oral environment. Removing the bacteria after we wake makes our teeth nice and smooth. The added fluoride also achieves micro strengthening of the enamel. After cleaning your teeth, your pH has risen close to neutral, and now we can enjoy morning coffee and breakfast.
What Happens When We Eat?
Every time we eat, the pH levels in our mouth drop to acidic levels again. In general, the human enamel does soften at pH levels of 5 or 5.5. An acidic diet or even soft drinks alone contain very low pH levels. Therefore, it is unwise to brush your teeth when the enamel weak. Toothbrush bristles can harm enamel and create micro abrasion. After meals, one should only rinse their mouth with pure still water to achieve neutralization or wait at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth.
Brush Your Teeth Before Meals
In the evening, it’s best to brush your teeth before dinner. Bacteria has populated in our mouths since the morning. Adding Fluoride to teeth for micro strengthening helps to protect teeth from acidic attacks during the evening. After dinner, it is recommended to simply rinse and brush a third and last time before bed. As a general rule, one should not brush teeth immediately after they eat or wait at least 30 minutes. During this period, saliva has done its job, initiating neutralization. Today, we know that waiting after meals will help your teeth. You don’t want to risk damaging softened enamel.
As a general rule, one should not brush teeth immediately after they eat or wait at least 30 minutes. During this period, saliva has done its job, initiating neutralization. Today, we know that waiting after meals will help your teeth. You don’t want to risk damaging softened enamel. Brushing too much can put a strain on your teeth and gums. In the end, we recommend brushing three times a day for the best results – first in the morning, then before dinner, and lastly, before going to bed.
